Can I really start a vending machine business with just $3,000?

Yes. Buy one used machine for $1,000–$1,500, stock it for $200–$400, grab a dolly for $100–$200, and handle your LLC and license for another $100–$400. That gets you operational with a single machine. Many operators start with one machine as a side hustle and reinvest profits to add more.

How do I find good locations for my machines?

Walk into businesses with steady foot traffic — laundromats, auto shops, break rooms, gyms, apartment complexes, and office buildings. Talk to the owner or manager directly. Offer a commission of 10–25% of revenue or a flat monthly fee. The best locations are ones where people wait or don't have easy access to a store nearby.

How much can one vending machine actually make per month?

A single well-placed machine typically brings in $200–$600 per month in revenue. After restocking costs, location commission, and other expenses, you can expect $75–$250 in profit per machine per month. High-traffic locations with card readers consistently outperform cash-only machines in lower-traffic spots.

Should I buy new or used machines?

Start with used machines. A refurbished unit at $1,000–$2,500 lets you test locations with low risk. If a location underperforms, you haven't sunk $5,000–$7,000 into a new machine. Once you know which locations are winners, upgrade to new combo machines with built-in card readers and better energy efficiency.

Do I need a cargo van to run a vending route?

Not at first. With 1–3 machines, you can restock from your personal vehicle using bins and a hand truck. Once you hit 5+ machines or your route covers a wider area, a dedicated cargo van saves time and lets you carry more inventory per trip. A used van runs $5,000–$15,000.

Are card readers worth the extra cost?

Almost always. Adding a cashless payment option costs $300–$800 per machine but typically increases sales by 20–35%. Most people don't carry cash anymore. The upgrade usually pays for itself within 2–4 months. If you're buying new machines, many come with card readers built in.

Home / Vending Machine Business Startup Costs

Start a Vending Machine Business for as Little as $3,000

$3,000 – $50,000

Vending machines are one of the lowest-barrier-to-entry businesses you can start. Buy a machine, stock it, place it in a good location, and collect passive income. Scale at your own pace from a single machine side hustle to a full route of 10+ machines generating serious monthly revenue.

Last updated Feb 2026 · Based on VendingMarketWatch industry reports, Direct manufacturer pricing (Crane, AMS, Seaga), r/vending community data

FAQ

Where This Data Comes From

VendingMarketWatch industry reports
Direct manufacturer pricing (Crane, AMS, Seaga)
r/vending community data
SBA microenterprise loan benchmarks

All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and business decisions.

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